Cool Caribbean

I’m located in Bandabou, the western part of Curaçao. While the name means “lower side” of the island, it’s home to our highest mountain, and it lies proudly in the Lower Antilles of the Dutch Caribbean. Bandabou is often described as the most authentic part of Curaçao – a place of cultivation, recreation, and cultural roots. This region holds the island’s most pristine natural beaches, charming…

In honoring Mike’s memory and his recent heavenly ‘birthday’. I reflect on a piece of past work I wrote about Michael. This is a past short piece to ‘Blessing for Mike’ Mike, my friend with multiple sclerosis (MS), was an extraordinary figure on the small tropical island he called home. Most days, he walked barefoot, a habit that earned him a reputation for eccentricity. One day, he declared to…

Since the 1980s, Funark has been a vital center for art lovers in Curaçao. Founded by visual artist Asyla ten Holt, it began as her personal studio and, evolved into a nonprofit center for art and yoga activities. Asyla’s vision was to create a space where artists, students, and the community could gather, collaborate, and learn. Today, Funark continues its mission, offering workshops (also,…

Strengthened cultural relations through visual art, film, and prose, with support from Curacao House and applied funds, are vital for artists seeking exposure in the Netherlands. Title: Amusement in Deep-Rooted Culture in Surrounding  A heritage past traditional performance exposition from…

A project on Robotic Kids’ Learning, Life Skills, and Problem-Solving was lifely present to get to understand its Synergistic Approach. The interconnection between life skills and problem-solving is profound and essential for personal development. Life skills, a set of abilities that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life, are the foundation upon…

The Galloping Horse (self-aware) stands as a powerful tale within the upcoming ‘Dragonfly’ Prose Book, portraying a journey towards transcendence and self-realization. This compelling story urges individuals to embark on a motivational quest to discover their true desires and dreams. While confronting challenges and navigating through the chapters of the book, one is encouraged to not only make…

What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?

Her focus for the past 45 years has been on arts, creative writing, and various healing techniques. She has been performing as a singer in the Netherlands since 1977, alongside her studies and work. Asyla expresses herself from the heart, addressing metaphorical issues through visual and language aspects. She has an academic background and is now a senior. She volunteers in Kids Arts Culture…

Portrait painting or a self-portrait with kids gives them a sense of belonging. It’s remarkable to see what happens when teaching children how to do a portrait painting. When presenting them with a new task, they are usually surprised by new forms of art. However, as an instructor, I can overlook their capacity for what they can do and where the difficulty lies. Many kids can manage after being…

The Netherlands, especially in the springtime, offers a captivating blend of arts, culture, and scenic beauty. Touring the Hoorn area- a West Friesche province in Northern Holland and a historic town and Dutch harbor provides an exciting immersion into its unique architectural richness and coastal charm. The juxtaposition of old and new buildings creates a captivating character, while the…

Working and living in the arts overseas, linked with our hemisphere crossing the Atlantic Ocean, need functional art space to work and inspire, come to senses, and freedom from all angles to express. Old schoolers divulge at all times while newcomers follow as starter artists. Available working areas must be present to live your total Afro-being as a Dutch citizen mingled with your tradition when…